Nepal Escalates Online Betting Crackdown With More Than 200 Platforms Blocked

Nepal has stepped up its campaign against unlicensed online gambling, with authorities ordering the blocking of more than 200 betting applications and websites across the country.

The latest intervention forms part of a wider government programme aimed at strengthening enforcement of existing laws governing online betting.

Internet service providers (ISPs) have been instructed to restrict access to the identified platforms following the approval of a 100-point Governance Reform Action Plan.

Government orders rapid action

The crackdown follows the first Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, with the government’s reform programme assigning responsibility for immediate implementation to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) subsequently coordinated with ISPs to implement the restrictions, with operators reportedly given just 24 hours to block the platforms identified by the authorities.

The move represents an escalation in enforcement rather than the introduction of a new prohibition.

Online betting is already prohibited under Nepal’s Civil Criminal Code 2017 and the Advertisement Regulation Act. The latest measures are instead intended to close the gap between the country’s existing legislation and the continued availability of offshore gambling services to consumers.

Offshore operators among those affected

A number of internationally recognised betting brands have been caught by the latest restrictions, including Mostbet, Megapari, 22Bet and Parimatch.

Several offshore platforms had continued serving customers in Nepal despite the country’s existing restrictions, offering products ranging from sports betting and casino games to live wagering and virtual gaming.

Cricket and football have been particularly prominent betting markets, while access to international payment methods and digital financial services has made it relatively straightforward for customers to fund accounts.

Authorities warn of criminal consequences

The government has also reiterated that involvement in illegal betting can carry criminal consequences.

Individuals who participate in, advertise or otherwise assist unlicensed gambling activity could face penalties including imprisonment of up to one year, fines of as much as Rs. 10,000 ($65) and the confiscation of assets.

The authorities are therefore targeting more than simply access to gambling websites, with enforcement expected to extend to businesses and individuals involved in supporting their operation.

NTA given wider monitoring role

The NTA has been tasked with monitoring online activity associated with illegal betting and identifying individuals or networks involved in promoting or facilitating access to prohibited platforms.

Authorities have also called on members of the public to report suspected illegal betting activity.

Consumers have been warned against using VPNs or other technical measures to circumvent website restrictions and continue accessing blocked gambling services.

Social media comes under scrutiny

The government’s approach is also increasingly focused on how offshore operators attract customers.

Promotional activity through social media, online advertising and influencers is receiving greater attention, particularly amid concerns that digital marketing can expose younger audiences to unlicensed gambling services.

This represents a broader challenge for regulators, as offshore operators can market their products digitally without maintaining a physical presence within the country.

Consumer protection remains a concern

The crackdown also reflects concerns surrounding the risks faced by Nepali customers using gambling companies located outside the country’s regulatory jurisdiction.

Authorities have limited powers to intervene when disputes arise with offshore operators, including cases involving account restrictions, alleged fraudulent activity or outstanding winnings.

There are also concerns over the movement of betting-related funds outside Nepal’s regulated financial system, potentially increasing exposure to financial crime and money laundering risks.

With the latest blocking measures, Nepal is signalling a more aggressive approach towards enforcing its existing online gambling restrictions and tackling the wider ecosystem supporting unlicensed betting activity.